Setina Manufacturing: A Legacy of Law Enforcement Vehicle Innovation

For more than six decades, Setina Manufacturing Company has stood at the forefront of law enforcement fleet vehicle equipment, shaping how patrol vehicles are built, protected, and equipped for the unique demands of public safety duty. 

From its humble beginnings in a garage to a nationwide reputation for rugged reliability, Setina’s history is as much a part of policing evolution as the vehicles it helps outfit.

Setina Manufacturing was founded in 1963 by John R. Setina, a seasoned Vehicle Repair Specialist with the Washington State Patrol Automotive Division and owner of his own body repair business. 

While designing roll bars for patrol training vehicles, John saw an unmet need: better protection for officers and safer ways to transport detainees. His inventive mind led him to design what would become the industry’s first patented police vehicle partition—a substantial improvement over improvised solutions—and Setina began its journey as a company dedicated to practical, dependable safety equipment for law enforcement fleets. 

Though John has since passed on, his legacy lives through the company’s leadership and the enduring principles of quality, innovation, and family values. Today, Setina is managed by President Terry Setina and Vice President Judy Setina, both of whom bring decades of experience and commitment to upholding the company’s standards. I had the pleasure of touring the Setina Manufacturing facilities on December 10, 2025. Brett Ware, National Sales Manager, greeted me at the door. Mr. Ware is also a co-owner of the company. We walked into the lobby of the main Setina Campus and rode the elevator to the company's second-floor offices. Most of the manufacturing is on the first floor of this building. 

Judy Setina and Terry Setina soon greeted me. Titles aside, the best title is friend, and visiting with old friends is the best. We moved into the conference room, where Ware presented me with some fantastic gifts. Fun Fact: Judy told the story of how Washington State Patrol obtained their door graphic - John Setina designed it! She explained that while he was working for WSP, they asked him to submit some designs. He (John) submitted four designs, and they chose the one currently on the doors of Washington State Police cruisers.

Soon we were off for the plant tour and lunch. I was amazed at how clean the shops were and the dedication of the employees. Most of all, how “hands-on” the Setina family is. Setina has three facilities in Olympia, Washington. Regardless of where we were in the building, from admin staff to the design team to the guys working in shipping. Judy, Brett, and Terry knew their employees by their first names. As we stopped to visit with them as they worked, they showed genuine appreciation for their team. I wish I had thanked the employees more for making such great products!

Setina - Setting the Standard: Products Built for Duty. Over the years, Setina has dramatically expanded its product lineup — always with a focus on safety, durability, and practical performance for law enforcement applications. These products now include:

- Prisoner Transport Partitions: Perhaps Setina’s most iconic contribution, partitions are engineered to provide secure separation between officers and detainees. These systems use rugged, roll-bar-style steel frameworks and precision mounting that maximizes legroom and maintains compatibility with side-curtain airbags to protect vehicle occupants in the event of deployment. 

- Push Bumpers and Fender Guards: Built to withstand the rigors of pursuit and intervention driving, Setina’s push bumpers — particularly the widely adopted PB400 series — combine heavy-duty aircraft-grade aluminum with advanced mounting systems to minimize front-end fatigue while providing reliable performance. Integrated LED lighting options and compatible fender guards extend functionality and protection in front-end vehicle operations. 

- PIT Training Bumpers: These are integrated into the push bumper system to facilitate training the Precision Immobilization Technique. They also have bumpers for the back of the Ford Police Interceptor that enable it to be used as a violator car. 

- Transport Seating and SmartBelt Systems: Modern prisoner transport demands thoughtful ergonomic and safety designs. Setina’s transport seating solutions and innovative SmartBelt center-pull seat belt systems enhance officer safety by reducing contact with rear occupants and meeting stringent Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. 

- Window Bars, Door Panels, and Cargo Solutions: Securing every part of a patrol vehicle matters. Setina designs window barriers, door panels, and rear cargo storage systems that are lightweight yet strong, using high-grade materials and modular designs that adapt to various vehicle platforms. These products help protect officers, secure equipment, and organize gear efficiently. 

- Firearm and Equipment Mounting: With a range of modular weapon racks and mounting solutions, Setina supports secure, accessible storage of firearms and tactical gear inside fleet vehicles — a critical consideration in high-pressure scenarios. 

What truly defines Setina is its ability to balance tradition with cutting-edge thinking. Manufacturing is conducted in the U.S., with advanced engineering, computer-assisted design, and rigorous testing ensuring that products meet high-performance and durability expectations. The company celebrates a legacy of more than 60 years while continuing to adapt to changes in vehicle platforms, including equipment for modern SUVs and even emerging electric models. The day I was in the shop, there were six new patrol units there and one electric; the team was test-fitting.

For law enforcement agencies, vehicle equipment isn’t just about utility — it’s about trust. Setina’s history of innovation, quality craftsmanship, and steadfast focus on safety has made it a preferred partner for fleets across the nation. As patrol vehicles evolve, Setina’s commitment to innovative, dependable solutions ensures officers stay protected and equipped for whatever the road ahead may bring.

**Sergeant Marc Basye (Ret) has over 35 years of fleet management experience. Marc is a 30-year veteran police officer, currently an advanced driving instructor at the Ohio Peace Officers Training Academy and an Adjunct Police Academy instructor at Sinclair Community College. He has served on the Elite Ford Police Advisory Board and moderated classes and lectured at the Signal Business Group - Police Fleet Expo.